Using the Volvo Cars app, you can monitor average fuel consumption, battery charge levels and average use of electricity compared with fuel. You can also choose from multiple driving modes to fine tune your ride. Of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center. All our plug-in hybrid models deliver a powerful, responsive drive with smooth, quiet acceleration. Learn about NREL's transportation and mobility research.įor more information about plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, visit the U.S. Normally lost during braking is captured and stored in the battery. The battery can be charged by plugging into an electric power source, through regenerativeīraking, and by the internal combustion engine. An onboardĬomputer decides when to use which fuel according to which mode allows the vehicle Tank to provide a driving range similar to that of a conventional vehicle. Inflated gas prices have caused Americans pain at the pump for months, but prices are finally descending from 5-per-gallon heights. These are the best plug-in hybrids you can buy, ranked by how much money theyll save you. For longer trips, a PHEV can draw liquid fuel from its onboard Plug-in hybrid cars have bigger batteries and more electric-only range than traditional hybrids. The larger battery pack allows the vehicle to operate predominantly on electricityĭuring short trips. This can still manage over 30 miles on electric power alone and return up-to 282.1mpg, when the battery is fully charged.The battery pack in a PHEV is generally larger than in a standard hybrid electric vehicle. The plug-in hybrid car represents a further evolution of the hybrid and is a combination of a hybrid and electric car. Even the entry-level T6 model produces 340bhp, while the range-topping T8 makes a muscular 449bhp the latter seems a tad unnecessary, so we’d save money by picking the T6 model. Leather upholstery also comes as standard along with LED headlights and dual-zone climate control, meaning no example of the XC60 feels anything less than luxurious.ĭespite being set up strictly for comfort, the XC60 Recharge boasts a very powerful set of engines. All models get a Google-powered portrait-style touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard, with a set of digital dials. 55,595 as shown Starting MSRP 38,690 Starting Market Avg. The interior is suitably Scandinavian with minimalist touches and a premium finish. The Pacifica is also the only minivan that's available as a plug-in hybrid with an all-electric range of more than 30 miles and a total range of 500 miles-plus. PHEVs will typically run on electricity until the battery is.

Stylish and comfortable, the Volvo XC60 is a great alternative to the swathes of German luxury SUVs. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is a type of electric vehicle (EV) that uses a rechargeable battery to power an electric motor and another fuel, such as gasoline or diesel, to power an internal combustion engine or similar propulsion system. On longer journeys where you’ve depleted the electric range, you’ll be relying on the engine to get you to your destination. While you might be drawn to a plug-in hybrid by the promise of unbelievable MPG figures, it’s worth noting that getting close to these numbers in real life completely depends on the types of journeys you do and how often you recharge the battery.

PHEVs tend to be able to travel a good distance on electric power alone (25-50 miles depending on the model). With both systems working together, plug-in hybrids tend to be quite powerful, so many claim acceleration times that are close to those set by hot hatchbacks and sports cars. Most PHEVs allow you to choose how the two power sources are used, with many giving you the option to save the battery power for later in the journey - useful if you’re heading into a built-up area. Chevy's all-electric midsize SUV goes a GM-estimated 0-60 in under 4 seconds. If you want to become part of the growing plug-in hybrid craze or are looking for something with low running costs, read on to see which are the best plug-in hybrids currently on sale.Īll plug-in hybrids feature an engine - usually petrol - mated to an electric motor and a decent-sized battery. However, it is only throughout the last few years that these cars have exploded in popularity – in fact, more plug-in hybrids were registered in 2021 than in the entirety of the last decade. Considering how many plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are now on sale, you’d be forgiven for thinking they’ve been popular for a long time.

Plug in hybrid cars